If you’re looking for some serious theater, seriously good gourmet food, or serious opera, then Teatro Zinzanni isn’t for you…oops-I just remembered, they actually do include a little opera, as well as most everything else in the entertainment field. Teatro ZinZanni is a CRAZY evening of FOOD, FUN and FESTIVITIES, a three-hour extravaganza of international circus performers, comedy, dance, and cabaret performances, all served up with a five-course dinner designed by celebrated Northwest chef Tom Douglas, all bunched together under an antique big-top tent.

Created in Seattle in 1998, Teatro ZinZanni, this popular show for the masses, completely changes a few times a year, so repeat visits are highly encouraged. I saw the last performance of A Suitcase Named Desire, but here’s a synopsis on whats coming up:

An all-new show directed by Norman Langill, Quest for a Queendom plays June 26 through October 19, 2008. Queen Wilma of the lost continent of ZinZannia (British comedienne Krissie Illing) embarks on a daunting quest: colonize or perish, while her trusty, lusty manservant (Seattle’s own Kevin Kent) launches a conquest of his own. Featuring songbird Francine Reed, Quest for a Queendom is a regal romp in the Spiegeltent with performances by TZ veteran artists Parisian acrobats Les Castors, German aerial beauty Crystalle, American clown Peter Pitofsky and comic acrobatic duo Die Maiers. Making their ZinZanni debut are Chinese strap aerialists Ming and Rui.

A few points to keep in mind:

1. At first glance the tickets aren’t cheap..but when you add of the price of a typical dinner plus a theater or cabaret ticket, it’s a steal. ( Note: drinks are not included in the price.)
2. This is not a good choice if you want a romantic dinner for two. You are seated with others at group tables and packed in like sardines.
3. For me, the “comedy” was only mildly amusing, and much more slapstick than I’m used to, however, there is definitely something for everyone and I was wowed by the aerialists, contortionists, and other acrobatic acts. We lost one of our group during a shopping spree in the Teatro Boutique, where she later immerged hidden under a rhinestone and feather mask.
4. The food is uneven–some good , some not so, but you definitely won’t leave hungry.
5. All in all, this was a high-energy, up-lifting, madcap evening that everyone should experience at least once. A perfect place to celebrate granny’s birthday, for out-of-town guests, or to simply get yourself out of the doldrums.

Check out the site for info on both their Seattle and San Francisco shows.

I’ve been in Seattle the last few weeks, trying to cope with all the mayhem of moving my mother out of her home, (surrounded by movers, painters, and realtors) and into a condo we’re remodeling, (surrounded by movers, painters and handymen) when her refrigerator chose this highly inopportune moment to gasp out it’s last dying breath@#$%^&*&^%$#!

El Gaucho- The Inn.

We desperately needed a break from all the madness so we decided to escape to El Gaucho’s for an indulgent overnight. I heard that they had added an inn above the renowned restaurant for a perfect one-stop gas-saving getaway right in the hipster-heart of Belltown, so we decided to go early and walk to the Pike Place Market for a little afternoon shopping.

As we climbed the steep steps to the inn’s upstairs lobby, our woes simply melted away. With its “retro-swank” fifties decor, we happily went back to the good ol’ days, full of excellent service and attention to detail. (The Inn’s 24-hour concierge service is available to assist you with procuring tickets, town car service, and any other arrangements to ensure a delightful stay. I particularly appreciated the El Gaucho “welcome” bag with a big bottle of water, a great CD, and yummy homemade choc-chip cookie,) combined with the ultimate in modern conveniences: plasma screen TV with full high-definition digital cable, Bose Wave music system and high speed Internet, both wired and wireless. When we discovered the luxurious Anichini linens and bathrobes, we were tempted to jammie-up and just order room service from the Inn’s namesake restaurant, the incomparable El Gaucho.

Revived after a brief nap, we instead put on a little something black, and headed downstairs for dinner, passing a fashionably dressed group of young women, sipping Cosmo’s, who had just come up from the basement. Turns out there’s a unique theater/ partyroom/ bar set-up downstairs, and they had just left the movie theater currently showing “Sex in the City”, which was included in their special “Girls Night Out Package” which offered: One night stay, Valet Parking, El Gaucho Bites, Veuve Clicquot and Moet Chandon Champagne, Cosmos, Flirt-tini’s, Tart-tini’s and Classic Martini’s, Movie tix, Movie popcorn, Fabulous Sex and the City Gift Bag!

El Gaucho- The Restaurant.

The restaurant was even more delightfully retro than the inn. The dark dining room oozes old time Hollywood atmosphere with it’s flickering candlelight, tuxedoed wait-staff, cigar lounge and a piano player softly tinkling old favorites seated below the circular tiers of booths.

The menu was filled with the best of the classics, presented with great flair.
The Wicked Shrimp provided a wicked beginning, bathed in a succulent cream sauce with a kick-start of heat. Then our extremely professional server wheeled over a large cart and proceeded to whip, grate, and toss us a perfect Caesar Salad. Even though we didn’t order the shishkabob, we were thrilled when the neighboring table did and it arrived with pomp and circumstance, carried by two servers who provided the fireworks by repeatedly basting the yardstick long skewers with great whooshes of flaming brandy.

For my entrée, I ordered the Ostrich, which arrived tender and perfectly accented by the slightly-sweet Madeira mushroom sauce. My mother had the salmon, which for $60.00 was really nothing special, and was undercooked (even though she had requested it cooked through) as well as under-seasoned. Our side of macaroni and cheese more than made up for it, swimming in creamy cheesy decadence and we scarfed down ever last spoonful.

Sadly, we were too full for the Bananas Foster although we did appreciate the light-show when another table ordered it.

A nibble of fruit and cheese from the assorted basket that came with our bill and then we contentedly climbed the stairs to bed.

El Gaucho
2501 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
Tel: (206) 728-1337

Your taste buds will really get down and party at this special event, the New Frontiers of Taste, celebrating the 100th year anniversary of Dr. Kikunae Ikeda’s discovery of *Umami, the 5th taste. This major event is timed to coincide with the International Symposium on Olfaction and Taste (ISOT), and will draw a variety of attendees that includes chefs, culinary students, food and wine experts, scientists, journalists, and plain old food lovers.

You’ll learn more about this elusive taste sensation from heavy hitters, Thomas Keller of The French Laundry; Hiro Sone of Terra, Ame; and Kunio Tokuoka of Japan’s Kyoto Kitcho, who are joining together with leading food scientists and culinary experts to discuss and celebrate the fifth taste, umami at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco.The symposium, New Frontiers of Taste, will discuss the impact of umami in a casual panel conversation that includes Harold McGee, Ph.D. (food writer and molecular gastronomist). Following the discussion, internationally accredited chefs will serve a multi-course lunch to demonstrate umami. Highlights of the menu will include seared Japanese spiny lobster, ginger-poached Georgia shrimp and watermelon salad and Salle d’Agneau: lamb sous vide. Tim Hanni (master of wine and wine educator) will introduce a number of wines at the luncheon to demonstrate how they can successfully be paired with umami-rich foods.

Tickets are available at www.umamiinfo.com for $100 (or $50 for students with valid student I.D.).
July 21st, 2008
11:30 a.m. Hyatt Regency San Francisco, Embarcadero Center, 5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111, 415-788-1234, 800-233-1234.

*What exactly is umami?

The flavour of food is determined by a number of different factors including taste, smell, colour, temperature and overall appearance, as well as by physiological or psychological conditions. Some of the most important factors are the basic tastes of sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami.
It was Japanese scientist Dr. Kikunae Ikeda who first discovered that glutamic acid, an amino acid, was responsible for the umami taste of Konbu.
Although there is no English word for it, umami is a savoury taste imparted by glutamate and ribonucleotides, including inosinate and guanylate, which occur naturally in many foods including meat, fish, vegetables and dairy products.
The taste of umami itself is subtle. It blends well with other tastes to expand and round out flavours. Most people don’t recognise umami when they encounter it, but it can be detected when eating ripe tomatoes, parmesan cheese, cured ham, mushrooms, meat and fish. Umami plays an important role making food taste delicious.

One of my fave trade tastings each year is the Rieslings from Germany. Unfortunately, most of these incredible wines never see the light of day in the States. On the rare occasions that I do spy one on the menu and try to order it, I usually get the same comment from my (riesling ignorant) dinner companion, “No thanks, I don’t really care for sweet wines.” For the umpteenth time people, NOT ALL RIESLINGS ARE SWEET AND EVEN THE SWEETER ONES ARE DELICIOUS!

I’m happy to report that Rieslings from Germany has decided that it’s time to shatter all your pre-conceived notions and introduce the public to some of the best summer wines available. For one week only, you can experience world-class Rieslings from Germany, as well as Alsace and Austria, at the top restaurants in San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Las Vegas. Restaurants will be featuring European Rieslings either by the glass, by the flight, or creating special pairing menus to showcase the versatility of this varietal.

June 16th - 22nd, 2008

San Francisco
New York City
Chicago
Las Vegas

For participating restaurants and retail locations in each city,(many offer complimentary tastings,) go to their website.

Participating San Francisco Restaurants Include:
Café Majestic
Campton Place
CAV Wine Bar
Coi
Eos Restaurant & Wine Bar
FARM
Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant & Wine Bar
Jack Falstaff
Martini House

Masa’s
Oxbow Wine Bar
Plump Jack Café
Soif
Solano Wine Bar
XYZ Restaurant
Yabbie’s Coastal Kitchen
Zazu

Retailer Tastings Include:
Blackwell’s Wine & Spirits
Dee Vine Wines
Solano Wine Shop
William Cross Wine Merchants

FYI: here’s the outlook on this years crop:
Thanks to early bud burst and optimal autumn weather, the 2007 vintage in Germany had good yields of excellent quality. German wine grapes had an unusually long growing season, so the year’s harvest was relatively unhurried and took place over several weeks. Grape musts and young wines showed well, with a fabulous wealth of aromas, high ripeness and extract levels, and a well integrated, harmonious – yet marked – acidity.

I just got back to town in time to order my Summertini Tickets and they are selling like…hmmm…free infused martinis? This is one of the Bay Area’s best events.
Sooper creative drinks, a great auction (I’m bidding on the Michael Bauer dinner so WATCH OUT!), delish food from some of my fave restos, tons of excitement and ALL FOR A GREAT CAUSE!

(Ok….I suppose I should disclose that I’m one of the founders of this superb (if I do say so myself:) culinary vocational program. CHEFS is a program of Episcopal Community Services that provides culinary vocational training to prepare homeless and formerly homeless adults for employment in food service.

So better hurry and order your tickets if you want to join us in a toast to a special cause. Sip cocktails, sample food from top Bay Area restaurants and participate in live and silent auctions.

Stunning Silent and Live Auctions Hosted by Bob Sarlatte and George Noceti

Featuring: A week in Provence, a week in New Orleans,
a week in a Tahoe City lake-view home for 20, fine wines,
original artwork, a restaurant “review” dinner with
renowned food critic Michael Bauer, a glamorous weekend
with brunch for two at the Ritz-Carlton and more!

Savor Farmers’ Market Summer hors d’oeuvres created by:

Sharon Nahm | E&O Trading Company
Rob Zaborny | Hayes Street Bar & Grill
Derrek Johnson | House of Chicken and Waffles
Francisco Hau | Joe’s of Lafayette
Bob Helstrom | Kuleto’s
John Ledbetter | Lark Creek Steak
Sascha Weiss | Lettus Organic Café
Maxx Sherman | Marin French Cheese/ Rouge et Noir
Eric Tucker | Millenium
Todd Spanier | King of Mushrooms
Tim Luym | Poleng Lounge
Derek Edwards | Roots
Bill Taylor | CHEFS students and staff
Sukhi | Sukhi Indian Cuisine
Nancy Kux | Bakers Dozen
Rick Corbo | Ducca
Scott Sasaki | GaribaldisEvent date: Friday, June 13 (6 p.m.)

SummerTini
Friday, June 13, 2008
6:00-9:00 pm
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
701 Mission Street, San Francisco

Purchase tickets now, only $85

After a quiet night at the Hotel Monteleone we woke up the next morning a trifle hung-over from the Royal Street festivities, but after three cafe au laits (no beignets because we were heading for the MAIN EVENT) we were wired and ready to go. Comfy Shoes-Check! Tickets-Check! Elastic Waistbands-Check! We waited in the entrance line for the final countdown-the doors opened- and WOW! Even after all the food & wine events that I’ve attended over the years, I was still awe-struck by the plethora of the culinary delights. It was like entering the pearly “southern” gates of Food Heaven!

For the next two days I nibbled, chowed down, imbibed, and simply pigged-out on restaurant offerings such as: 5Fifty’s Duck Sliders, Bourbon-Chili Glazed Shrimp, The Ritz Carlton’s Melange “Trio of Foie Gras”, Wasabi Crusted Tuna, Crawfish/Corn/Avocado Salad, Bacco’s Lobster Raviolis, Muriel’s Crawfish and Goat Cheese Crepes, Blackened Crawfish Risotto, Dakota’s incredibly rich Crabmeat & Brie Soup, Rootbeer Pound Cake, Whiskey Bread Pudding, Bananas Foster and Strawberry Creme Brulee. I couldn’t begin to recap all the incredible wines (over 3500 corks were popped for this event,)but I began with Veuve Clicquot and ended with a succulent dessert wine from Oregon’s Elk Cove, with many fine new and old-world wines in between.

Wait…hot off the press-I just found out that the dates have been set for next year, so don’t say I’m not giving you plenty of warning to Save May 18-22, 2009 for the next NOWFE!

The first night we jumped (splashed) right into the thick of the activites by joining the festive throngs for the rollicking Royal Street Stroll. It is described as a “unique NOWFE event that brings together New Orleans’ greatest gifts: rare antiques, fine art, live jazz and stunning historic architecture with the world’s outstanding wines. Shop the enchanting galleries of Royal Street while experiencing wine and food offerings at each stop.”

What they didn’t include in the write-up, but they hinted at in the fine print which I completely missed, was In the event of inclement weather, the event will still be held. Rain ponchos will be distributed if necessary.

Our level of “inclement weather” conisisted of torrential downpours and record thunderstorms, which our little rain poncho’s were certainly no match for. Actually, since it was warm rain, this really just added to the crazy fun, as people rolled up their pant legs and jumped in the puddles, while sipping some superb-wines, and nibbling on some delish BBQ oysters, gumbo, and mini-Mufletta while eye-balling some great works of art.

Thankfully, we were staying just a puddle-jump away, so before we “caught our death of cold” we swam over to our room at the wonderful Hotel Monteleone.

LOVED it! Perfect choice as headquarters for the NOWFE event– I would definitely stay here next year. This historic family owned and operated hotel, with it’s elegant Old World facade located in the French Quarter, has played host to numerous celebs since it opened in 1886. Granted the lobby carpet was a trifle threadbare, but I’ll take a little faded elegance over generic Big-Box Chain hotels anyday.

Plus I think it has the best location: right on Royal street, which offers the best upscale shopping, and just minutes away from all the action but still far enough to avoid the racuous noise of Bourbon St. Being able to take in some sun at the outdoor pool or work-out in the small but efficient fitness room, more than made up for the lack of river-view from our “river view” suite.

It’s been a while since I’ve stayed at a hotel that didn’t advertise how wonderful their “sleep system” was, but I have to admit-this was one of the most comfy beds I’ve ever slept on. Three nights of perfect sleep is a thing of beauty, or at least worth 3 stars!

We all watched in horror as poor New Orleans was devastated by Katrina, which resulted in a sky-dive in tourism (their economic powerhouse), extensive property damage, to say nothing of their population loss and resulting labor shortage.(The labor shortage was in full evidence when I stopped in at the world famous Cafe Du Monde for cafe au lait and beignets and noticed that 15 out of about 16 of the wait-staff were Asian with absolutely no southern drawl– which I sorely missed.)
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived last week for the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience. The good news is that all the touristy nabes: The French Quarter, Warehouse District and the Garden District are up & jammin’ once again. As a matter of fact, until I was driven about 30 minutes out-of-town, not only was their little evidence left of Katrina’s destruction, but there has even been a bunch of new restaurant springing up like crocus. This influx of newbies is generating some major culinary excitement. Chefs are bsuy tweaking traditional cajun standards by adding creative touches which utilize new flavor or ingredient combos, as well as some interesting international fusion cooking. Emeril calls it the ” New” New Orleans Cuisine which is typified on his menu with Gumbo of the Day being offered next to Abita Root Beer Braised Niman Ranch Pork Belly with Citrus Slaw, Marinated Yucca, Heirloom Radish, Shaved Jalepeno, Goat Cheese and Pork Cracklings.

I am thrilled to report that after 3 days of non-stop eating at the 17th annual New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, that the food is BETTER than ever. The old, the new, the classic cajun and creole, the creative twists..this is one event you do NOT want to miss next year or else, you’ll be forced to turn in your foodie merit badge! With 5 days of events, over 75 restaurants participating and 175 wineries, this is one BIG event-so BIG that this year they had to hold it in the Superdome, which could still barely contain all the excitement.

Stay tuned to read more.

Guoman Hotels announces that Rhodes W1, The Cumberland Hotel’s restaurant, has been awarded a Michelin star, the industry’s most prestigious accolade. Rhodes W1 is one of only 34 hotels to in London to receive a Michelin Star in 2008. Launched in May 2007 by British celebrity chef Gary Rhodes, the restaurant was given the honor less than a year after opening.

About Chef Gary Rhodes:
As one of the proponents for modern British cuisine, chef Gary Rhodes has received a wide array of accolades and is regarded as one of the nation’s finest ambassadors of the culinary arts. At the age of just 26, Rhodes helmed the Castle Hotel in Taunton, Somerset, where he retained the hotel’s Michelin star and at The Greenhouse Restaurant in Mayfair, he earned another Michelin star in 1996, followed by another star for City Rhodes Restaurant in 1998. Rhodes hosts his own television series, “Rhodes Around Britain” on BBC, and he makes guest appearances on shows such as “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Masterchef USA”. Rhodes is also the best-selling author of several cookbooks and was voted “Television Food and Wine Personality of the Year” by the BBC Good Food Magazine and readers of the Sunday Express in 1994. His book, Fabulous Food, won “Best Cookbook of the Year Award” at the BBC Good Food Awards in 1997.

About Rhodes W1 Restaurant:

Rhodes W1 Restaurant offers modern British cuisine, fused with classical French influences - a slight departure from the updated classic British cooking for which Rhodes has become famous. Head chef Brian Hughson, who has experience at notable London restaurants such 30 Street Mary Axe (The Gherkin) and The Savoy Grill, leads the kitchen team at Rhodes W1, where the award-winning menu utilizes fresh, seasonal English ingredients. Typical dishes might include pressed foie gras with a warm duck salad, or warm scallops and langoustines served with caviar hollandaise. The menu is complemented by an extensive wine and champagne list “curated” by master sommelier, Yves Desmaris, who has worked with Rhodes since 1998.

The restaurant offers a dramatic setting, designed by famed British interior designer Kelly Hoppen - well known for her work re-designing the first class cabins for British Airways and the Hotel Murmuri in Barcelona. The restaurant is decorated with sparkling Spina chandeliers, lush velvet fabrics, antique French chairs and mirrors.

River Runners Adventure Dating is a new craze hitting the adventurous lovelorn in Colorado. Adventure Dating is a fun, unique and exciting way to make a love connection. They say that participating in adrenaline sports with your potential mate can often times strengthen the bond between one another, heightening a new perspective on someone you thought perhaps incompatible at first. Dunno about that, but at least it’s better than making awkward conversation over a latte. And even if the date is a bust, you’ll still get your heart pumping paddling through the whitewater rapids while enjoying breathtaking views of the Rockies.

River Runners, one of the most respected whitewater adventure companies in Colorado, will host Adventure Dates every Sunday throughout the season. Daters can experience a full day of professionally guided, adventure rafting down the Browns Canyon, complete with a catered riverside lunch. If sparks flair, with discounted tickets, daters can venture over to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park for more thrill-seeking activities or they can turn up the heat and get cozy in the natural hot spring pools at Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, plus then you get to check each other out in the “swimsuit competition”.